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The romantic holiday that is supposed to celebrate those in love, yet is always plagued with stress leading up to it and disappointment after.

It has been my experience that Valentine’s Day almost always ends up with hurt feelings and tears and very little love felt–on both sides of the equation. This year, I say skip the dinner reservations, crowded and overpicked card aisles at the grocery store, boxes of candy that nobody needs to eat going into the upcoming swimsuit season and flowers that are severely overpriced and will go out in next Tuesday’s garbage.

Here’s a sneak peak at my new year’s eve menu. Since most of our friends have young children and we are too old {and too wise} to go out for a $250 per person dinner to ring in the new year anymore, we are hosting an intimate dinner party at home.

This year I’m spicing it up and stressing it down! I’m making barbequed turkey, jalepeno-sausage dressing, fancied up green bean casserole, cumin-roasted butternut squash with goat cheese and pepitas and a part gravy-part BBQ sauce that will really jazz up your holiday meal.

Still trying to figure out what you’re going to do for the 4th of July? Call all of your favorite people and host a potluck BBQ at your place. I’ve got quick, no-fuss recipes, decor and games that’ll make your party the talk of the block!

While the ham truly is the star of Easter, you can’t forget about dessert. This year I got creative with Hummingbird Cake with a Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing AND Oatmeal Pecan Cookies with a Meyer Lemon Glaze.